Compare Duloxetine vs. Lexapro
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Summary of Duloxetine vs. Lexapro
Summary for SNRIPrescription onlyDuloxetine (Cymbalta) helps treat depression and anxiety. It can also help with some types of chronic pain, such as nerve pain from diabetes. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a type of antidepressant called an SNRI, or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Most people take it by mouth once a day, but some with depression might take it twice a day. Side effects include nausea, headache, and dry mouth. When it's time to stop taking the medication, the prescriber will slowly lower your dose to help prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Summary for SSRIPrescription onlyEscitalopram, also known by its brand name, Lexapro, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's a first-choice antidepressant to treat depression and anxiety in adults and children. The medication is available as a tablet and oral solution, in both brand and generic forms. A dose is typically taken by mouth once per day. Some common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and dizziness.
Indications of Duloxetine vs. Lexapro
Indications for•Depression in adults•Generalized anxiety disorder in people ages 7 years and older•Diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain caused by high blood sugar) in adults•Fibromyalgia in people ages 13 years and older•Chronic pain in the muscles, bones, joints, or tendons in adultsIndications for•Depression in people ages 12 years and older•Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and olderPros and Cons of Duloxetine vs. Lexapro
Pros and Const for SNRIPros•Taken once a day for most people•Can take at any time of day•A first-choice option for depression•An option for some types of chronic pain, like nerve pain from diabetesCons•Can take several weeks before you feel its full effects•Might not be a good option for people who drink heavily or have liver or kidney problems•Can cause nausea or dry mouth•Can interact with many medications, including other antidepressants and certain pain relieversPros and Const for SSRIPros•First-choice medication for anxiety and depression•Only need to take it once a day•Generally has fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants•Can be taken with or without foodCons•Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits•Risk of certain sexual problems•Can raise your risk for bleeds•Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking itCommon Side Effects of Duloxetine vs. Lexapro
Common Side Effects for•Nausea (23%)•Headache (14%)•Dry mouth (13%)•Drowsiness (10%)•Feeling tired (9%)•Trouble sleeping (9%)•Dizziness (9%)•Constipation (9%)•Diarrhea (9%)•Low appetite (7%)•A lot of sweating (6%)•Stomach pain (5%)Common Side Effects for•Headache (24%)•Nausea (15-18%)•Ejaculation problems (9-14%)•Sleepiness (6-13%)•Trouble sleeping (9-12%)•Dry mouth (6-9%)•Diarrhea (8%)•Tiredness (5-8%)Warnings of Duloxetine vs. Lexapro
Common Side Effects for•Suicidal thoughts or behavior•Liver damage•Changes in blood pressure and risk of falls•Serotonin syndrome•Higher risk of bleeding•Severe skin reaction•Withdrawal symptoms•Low sodium levels•Sexual problems•Not for use alone for bipolar disorder because of the risk of mania•Angle-closure glaucoma in certain peopleCommon Side Effects for•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior•Serotonin syndrome•Stopping escitalopram (Lexapro) too suddenly•Risk of bleeding•Not for use alone in bipolar disorder•Glaucoma•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)•Low blood sodium levels•Sexual problemsPrices with our coupons for Duloxetine vs. Lexapro
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